Dog Cough Suppressant Products Examined

There are several types of dog cough suppressants that are used to treat dry cough. These suppressants are formulated with various active ingredients that bring relief to pets suffering from chronic cough. Since an active ingredient like dextromethorphan is known to cause different side effects, it's important to administer cough suppressants only after conducting a vet check to determine the underlying cause of the cough.

What to Watch For

If your dog exhibits symptoms of dry cough along with fever, nausea, diarrhea and labored breathing, you need to seek medical help to diagnose the cause. While the cough may be associated with respiratory infections, pets are also known to cough when they suffer from heart disease, allergies, fungal infections and parasites. Since the treatment option that's used for each condition differs, it's important to avoid buying and administering over the counter cough suppressants to treat your pet.

Commercially Available Cough Formulas:

  • Benylyn (Dextromethorphan)
  • Temaril-P
  • Nectadyn 
  • HomeoPet Cough Relief

Benylyn

Although Benylyn isn't formulated for use in dogs, it's commonly used to control dry cough. This medication contains the active ingredient dextromethorphan which is the most widely used cough suppressant. Although the medication doesn't require a prescription, it should be administered under vet supervision. Cough suppressants are not ideal for pets suffering from wet cough because the dog's body needs to eliminate the phlegm for the cough to subside.

Other formulas that are similar to Benylyn include Robitussin and Vicks Formula 44 Soothing Cough Relief. It's also important to read and follow the instructions listed on the package carefully before administering the dose so that the pet doesn't develop any adverse reactions.

Temaril-P

Temaril-P is formulated for use in pets and contains the active ingredients Trimeprazine Tartrate and Prednisolone. Since Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory drug, this medication is ideal for dogs suffering from bronchitis and kennel cough. The medicine is also known to cause stomach upsets in pets and should be administered along with food. The dosage is based on the pet's weight and care takers need to administer the medication according to vet instructions to prevent an overdose.

Nectadyn

Nectadyn is an expectorant that controls dry and wet cough associated with bronchitis, congestion in the chest and flu. It's a non-drowsy medication that's relatively safe for use since it's a homoeopathic remedy. As a general guideline, dogs should be given 1 teaspoon of the syrup three times a day. Although no side effects have been exhibited by pets that have taken the medication, it's important to seek vet approval before administering the syrup to dogs that are pregnant or lactating.

HomeoPet Cough

If you want a safer alternative to conventional cough medication, consider administering HomeoPet Cough to treat mild cough. The medication is also suited to pets suffering from kennel cough. Dogs less than 20 lbs require 5 drops of medication three times a day. The drops may be mixed with water or directly placed into the pet's mouth. Pets weighing between 20 and 100 lbs require 10 drops three times a day, while dogs weighing over 100 lbs require 15 drops three times a day.

If the cough doesn't subside it's important to follow up with vet checks.

 

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